Cockroaches are insects with oval-shaped bodies, small heads, and six legs. They have large eyes and long, flexible antennae. Most species are reddish-brown to dark brown in color. Cockroaches tend to range in size from 1 to 5 cm long, but American cockroaches can be more than 2 inches long.
It is very rare to have just one or two cockroaches. If you see a couple, you likely have dozens or even hundreds more hiding somewhere in your Pelham, AL home. Just a few cockroaches can quickly turn into a full-scale infestation. You won’t be able to handle them on your own without effective residential pest control or commercial pest control. You’ll need to call for professional pest services in Pelham, AL for your cockroach problem or other pest problems.
If you want a pest-free environment from cockroaches and other pests, that’s where Magic City Pest Control comes in. If you are dealing with a pest problem, our team offers safe and effective treatment options to control cockroaches and other unwanted pests in Pelham, AL. Call us today to see how we can help you with your cockroach issue and other pest issues.
At Magic City Pest Control, our exterminators know how to get rid of your cockroach problem safely and effectively. For cockroach control in Pelham, AL, that you can count on, call Magic City Pest Control at 205-984-3250 today.
What Attracts Cockroaches?
Got cockroaches in your home or yard? These omnivorous scavengers are drawn in by the following:
- Food sources. Cockroaches are omnivorous and will eat almost anything, including crumbs, grease, pet food, garbage, and other kinds of organic matter. They are especially drawn to starchy, sugary, and greasy substances.
- Moisture. Like many pests, cockroaches need water to survive. Leaky pipes, standing water, and areas with high humidity are particularly attractive to them.
- Warmth. Cockroaches thrive in warm environments. They love it when the temperature warms up. In the winter, they are often found near appliances that generate heat, such as refrigerators, ovens, and water heaters.
- Shelter. Cockroaches prefer dark, enclosed spaces where they can hide during the day. Clutter, cardboard boxes, and cracks in walls or floors provide ideal hiding spots.
- Food residue and grease. Residue left on countertops, dishes, and floors can be a significant attractant. Even small amounts of food and grease can draw cockroaches.
- Unclean environments. Poor sanitation and housekeeping practices contribute to cockroach infestations. Accumulated dirt, crumbs, and food debris make an environment more attractive to them.
- Outdoor attractants. Cockroaches can also be drawn to compost piles, trash bins, and pet droppings outside, which can lead them into homes.
Signs of Cockroaches That Need Effective Pest Control
Here are some common signs that indicate you might have cockroaches in your home:
- Live cockroaches. Seeing live cockroaches, especially during the daytime, is a clear sign of an infestation. Cockroaches are nocturnal and usually hide during the day, so seeing them in daylight often means there is a large population.
- Droppings. Cockroach droppings are small, dark, and cylindrical, resembling coffee grounds or black pepper. Larger species produce droppings that are more cylindrical with ridges along the sides. These can be found in areas where cockroaches are active, such as kitchen cabinets, behind appliances, or in corners.
- Egg casings. Cockroaches lay eggs in capsule-like structures. These egg casings are small, brownish, and cylindrical. You may find these egg casings in hidden areas like behind furniture, in cracks and crevices, or near food sources.
- Shed skins. As cockroaches grow, they shed their skins multiple times. Finding these shed skins, which look like light brown, translucent versions of the cockroach, is a sign of their presence.
- Musty odor. A strong, musty, oily odor can indicate a significant cockroach infestation. This smell is produced by the pheromones they use to communicate and can be particularly noticeable in confined areas.
- Smear marks. Cockroaches tend to leave dark streaks or smears along their paths, especially in areas with high humidity. These marks are usually found on horizontal surfaces and at wall-floor junctions.
- Nesting sites. Cockroaches prefer dark, warm, and moist places. Check for nests behind appliances, under sinks, inside cabinets, and behind baseboards.
- Damage to food and packaging. Cockroaches will eat through packaging to get to food. Look for signs of nibbling on food packaging or small holes in containers.
Dangers of Cockroaches
Cockroaches are not just an annoyance. They can cause the following issues:
- Diseases. Cockroaches can carry and spread various diseases such as salmonellosis, E. coli infections, typhoid fever, cholera, and dysentery.
- Allergies and asthma. Cockroach droppings, saliva, and shed skin contain allergens that can trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks, particularly in children and sensitive individuals. Symptoms can include rashes, itchy eyes, sneezing, coughing, and wheezing.
- Contamination of food and surfaces. Cockroaches can contaminate food and kitchen surfaces as they scavenge for food. They can transfer pathogens picked up from sewage, garbage, and other dirty environments to food and utensils, leading to food poisoning and other health issues.
- Bites. While rare, cockroaches can bite humans. These bites can cause irritation, swelling, and in some cases, secondary infections.
- Damage to property. Cockroaches can cause damage to property by chewing on materials such as paper, fabric, leather, and books.
How Our Pest Control Service in Pelham, AL Can Help
Got roaches? Call Magic City Pest Control for cockroach control. We’ll do the following to get rid of your infestation quickly:
- Thoroughly inspect your home for signs of cockroach infestation
- Treat your home with the appropriate pest control method
- Seal gaps and cracks to prevent future cockroach infestations
- Install pest monitors in common hiding spots such as bathrooms and kitchens
- Provide a detailed report of services performed
- Provide recommendations to keep your home free of future roach infestations
- Follow up if necessary
We offer various cockroach extermination treatments to rid customers’ homes or a business of these pests. One option is an insecticide that’s specifically formulated to kill cockroaches. We may combine this treatment with an insect growth regulator that stops the roach’s ability to grow and breed.
We can also set feed traps in the places where cockroaches are most likely to live. Cockroaches collect the treated food and carry it back to the nest, killing those who ingest it. This method is environmentally friendly and safe to use around children and pets.
Contact Us Today for Cockroach Problem in Pelham, AL
If you are struggling with cockroaches in Pelham, contact the team at Magic City Pest Control right away. We understand that cockroaches are more than just a nuisance. They can cause contamination problems as well.
Have an infestation? Magic City Pest Control offers the best pest control in Pelham. Our solutions are safe for you and your family, and will leave you completely satisfied with our services. For expert cockroach control, call (205) 880-4466.